Dental Implants
Dental Implants Presentation
To provide you with a better understanding of dental implants, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to dental implants are discussed.
What are dental implants?
A natural tooth consists of a root and a crown. If you compare natural teeth to implant-supported replacement teeth, you’ll see they have the same basic parts. Both have a crown (the visible part used to chew food). Both have a root that holds the tooth securely under the gum and is anchored into the jaw. The difference is that the implant is made of titanium — the same time-tested material used by surgeons for artificial joints. When you lose a tooth, you lose both the root and the crown. To replace the tooth, the surgeon first replaces the root with a small dental implant.
Time is allowed for bone to heal and grow around the dental implant. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. A support post (abutment) is then placed on the dental implant and a new replacement tooth (crown) is placed on top of the abutment. In many cases a temporary replacement tooth can be attached to the implant immediately after it is placed. If all of your teeth are missing, a variety of treatment options are available to support the replacement teeth.
“Don’t be afraid to Smile.”
For years I’d felt like a part of my body was missing — because my teeth were. My dentist told me that dental implants would make me feel and look a lot better. OK, I said. Now, I’m thrilled. I can smile, eat anything, and enjoy a good laugh with my friends.
Surgical Advances in Dental Implants
Using the most recent advances in dental implant technology, Dr. Harvey is able to place single stage implants. These dental implants do not require a second procedure to uncover them, but do require a minimum of six weeks of healing time before artificial teeth are placed. There are even situations where the dental implant can be placed at the same time as the tooth extraction — further minimizing your number of surgical procedures.
Dental implant placement is a team effort between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a restorative dentist. Dr. Harvey performs the actual implant surgery, initial tooth extractions, and bone grafting if necessary. The restorative dentist (your dentist) fits and makes the permanent prosthesis. Your dentist will also make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process.
Ready to replace your missing teeth?
Lakeside Oral & Facial Surgery Institute
Patient Review
I’ve never had a better or easier experience with an oral surgeon.
- Darlene P
Patient Review
I have had a number of implants performed by Dr. Harvey over the last few years. Each has been successful and done efficiently to accommodate my schedule and needs. He is a pleasure to work with and truly cares about his patients. I am pleased to recommend him to anyone seeking sophisticated oral care. GAA
- Gerald A
Patient Review
I cannot say enough positive things about my experience with Dr. Alan Harvey. From the very first consultation, it was clear that he is not only highly skilled and experienced, but also deeply committed to truly understanding and solving complex problems. After seeing multiple doctors who were unable to resolve my serious dental issues that resulted from radiation treatments for head and neck cancer, I was beginning to lose hope. Dr. Harvey approached my case with fresh eyes and an open mind. His ability to think outside the box and apply his extensive knowledge in innovative ways made all the difference. He clearly identified the problems and developed a comprehensive treatment plan that finally brought real results. Beyond his technical expertise, what truly sets him apart is his professionalism, compassion, and kindness. He took the time to listen carefully, explain everything clearly, and ensure I felt comfortable and confident every step of the way. His calm and reassuring demeanor made a very stressful situation much easier to handle. It is rare to find a doctor who combines such high-level skill with genuine care for patients. I am incredibly grateful for his vision, dedication, and persistence in solving a serious problem that others could not. I would highly recommend him without hesitation to anyone in need of an exceptional oral surgeon, particularly if that need is related to cancer treatment. Dr, Harvey's ground-breaking work at the University of Chicago and other educational institutions provides him with a perspective and experience that is unmatched.
- Anthony O
Patient Review
Have never had a problem with previous implants completed by Dr. Harvey
- Patricia H
